This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, a report revealed that Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was mistakenly approved for a Sh12,700 ($120) virus welfare payment meant for low-paid Brazilian workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Paris Saint-Germain star's name, date of birth, and Brazilian ID number were used to register for the 600-real stimulus payment from the federal government, according to news site UOL.
The emergency payments were meant to help Brazilians employed in the informal sector, such as cleaners or cooks, whose jobs and incomes had evaporated with stay-at-home measures to contain the virus.
However, Neymar, with a contract at PSG and estimated earnings of $95.5 million this year, does not qualify for the payment.
According to UOL, the application in Neymar's name 'was initially approved and scheduled for payment... before being frozen and placed 'under evaluation' due to indications it failed to meet the requirements.'
Neymar's communications staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP, but UOL reported that his staff said Neymar 'obviously never applied for this benefit, and does not know who would have done so.'
